These five small plates in Arita porcelain, known as "mamezara", each bear a different kichijo design. Knotted cherry blossom, pine, bamboo and plum, wave and plover, longevity and gourd. Their meaning is given in the long description.
Use as an aperitif, or to share a dish over a fine bottle of sake !
Hasami porcelain. Diam. 108 mm
1) Tying cherry blossoms : This design is intended to show the beauty of cherry blossoms in a single, unbroken line. It symbolises eternal happiness and connection.
2) Pine, bamboo and plum : The pine tree is supposed to symbolise "longevity", as it remains green even in winter; the bamboo is supposed to symbolise "prosperity", as it grows quickly and is fertile; and the plum tree is supposed to symbolise "vitality", as it flowers in early spring.
3) Nami chidori (waves of plovers) : Each wave is fan-shaped, signifying the spread of the end of the world, and with the plover, which flies close to the surface of the water to avoid difficulties, this is a motif of good luck.
4) Kotobuki (longevity) motif : The chrysanthemum symbolises "longevity", the arabesque signifies "continuity of good fortune" and the hemp leaf signifies "connection".
5) Gourd : The gourd is synonymous with prosperity for descendants because of its many seeds. It is said to symbolise prosperity for business because of its tangle of things.
Arita porcelain is mainly known in Europe as “Imari”, because this is the port from which, historically, these porcelains were exported to Europe by Dutch merchants. But it's in the small town of Arita, in Saga prefecture, northern Kyushu, that these porcelains have been made since the early 17th century. Since 1616 to be exact, a turning point in the history of this product, as it marked the end of the Chinese monopoly on the use of Kaolin for the production of fine porcelain. Japan took up production, exporting until 1757. During the Edo era, the government regulated the export of these products, and they became less available abroad, focusing distribution more on Japanese territory. During the 19th century, exports picked up again thanks to Arita porcelain, which was shown at international exhibitions and fairs, once again contributing to its worldwide reputation. Many houses (Kamamoto) and artists produce Arita porcelain. Some of them are recognized as “living human treasures” in Japan.
Can be used in a microwave oven and put in the dishwasher.